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MoDOT is preparing for an influx of people traveling on Missouri highways on August 21st. Missourians will have the chance to experience a total solar eclipse mid-afternoon.
The beginning phase of the eclipse will start at approximately 11:45 a.m. when the moon begins to cross over the sun. The time of the total eclipse, when the moon entirely blocks the sun's bright face, will begin at 1:06 p.m. in St. Joseph and travel diagonally across Missouri to Perryville at 1:21 p.m.
After the brief moments of total eclipse, the moon will move off the sun until it completes the process at approximately 2:45 p.m. The only time you can look directly at the eclipse without eye protection is during the time of totality and only if you are located in the path of totality. Events across the state are planned for this unique astronomical event. An additional 1.2 million people are expected to visit Missouri beginning Aug.18 and leaving most likely by Aug. 22.
Motorists are also advised to expect heavy traffic on Missouri's interstates and all roads inside the area of the total eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21. Extreme congestion is expected once the eclipse passes in the afternoon. Viewers of the eclipse should leave early for their viewing location, stay put and then leave late to avoid the heavy congestion after the total eclipse.
MoDOT has safe driving tips on our website, like: Plan ahead and allow extra travel time to reach your viewing destination. For more safe driving tips click here - http://www.modot.org/eclipse/. For more information on the eclipse, visit the State of Missouri website - https://www.mo.gov/eclipse/. |
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Missouri motorists will soon be required to move over for utility vehicles as part of an updated law designed to make roadways safer for emergency workers.
Dexter Police Department Joins National Fourth (4th) of July Holiday Crackdown To Reduce Drunk Driving Fatalities
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ Campaign Will Target Substance-Impaired Drivers.
Dexter, Missouri - Local police will be out in full force as part of the annual nationwide Fourth (4th) of July Holiday Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over substance-impaired driving crackdown. The crackdown, which will include high-visibility enforcement throughout Dexter, will run from June 30-July 4, 2017. The effective nationwide substance–impaired driving crackdown will include high-visibility enforcement, high-profile events, and will be supported by national paid advertising, creating a comprehensive campaign to curb substance–impaired driving over the Fourth (4th) of July Holiday.
Dexter Police said its officers will be aggressively looking for substance-impaired drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone caught driving impaired. Although it is illegal in all 50 States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to drive impaired (having a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher), far too many people across the nation get behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol. Not only are alcohol impaired drivers a threat to others, new statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate drugged driving has now surpassed drunk driving in fatal crashes. NHTSA’s research shows in 2015, drugs were present in 43% of the fatally-injured drivers more frequently than alcohol was present.
"Every year, about one third of all motor vehicle traffic deaths involve one or more substance - impaired drivers or motorcycle operators," said Chief Stone. "In 2016, 233 people were killed and 700 seriously injured on Missouri’s roadways in crashes that involved at least one substance-impaired driver." That works out to approximately one substance-impaired driver involved fatality every 1-3/4 days.
Chief Stone added the Fourth (4th) of July holiday is particularly dangerous. During the Fourth (4th) of July holiday July 1- 4, 2016, two (2) people were killed and ten (10) seriously injured involving at least one substance-impaired driver.
"Research has shown that high-visibility enforcement like the 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign reduces substance–impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. By joining this nationwide effort, we will make Dexter’s roadways safer for everyone throughout the holiday," said Chief Stone.
"We want to remind everyone that getting behind the wheel impaired is a terrible idea. Unfortunately, not only does being under the influence impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely, it also impairs your judgment and good sense about whether you can, or should, drive. If you have any doubt about your sobriety, do not get behind the wheel. If you do chose to drive impaired, you will be arrested. No warnings. No excuses," Chief Stone said.
Chief Stone noted that being arrested for driving under the influence of any substance brings a wide range of negative consequences into one’s life. Substance–impaired drivers face jail time, loss of their driver licenses, and steep financial consequences such as higher insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job. When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators also often face tremendous personal embarrassment.
"Driving while impaired is simply not worth the risk. So don’t take the chance. Remember, we will be out in force and we will be watching, so ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," said Chief Stone.
